Stepping Out in 1880

Exhibit curated by Alecia Thomas, CHSM Collection Manager and Gail Fretwell-Hugger, CHSM Historian.
Objects on display from the CHSM Collection and from the personal collection of Gail Fretwell-Hugger, CHSM Historian.

The garments and accessories a woman in the late Victorian era would use to get ready for a social outing such as a cotillion dance or a theater performance (movie theaters had not yet arrived). Up until the 1950s ladies felt required to wear a hat and gloves. Hat pins and handkerchiefs were also needed. The black dress on display has a waist level bow with pockets for giving and receiving calling cards. Our sailor in an early 1900’s uniform stands ready to escort any lady. His rank is of a Petty Officer Second Class and his rating is of a Storekeeper (crossed keys).

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